Phrase guide

in short pants

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Synonym of in short trousers (“quite young”).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US, idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonym: in diapers
  • Look, honey, this ain't my first rodeo, OK? I was doing this when you were in short pants.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: in diapers, in short trousers

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From an early 20th century practice of reserving short pants only for small children.